This report attempts to summarize global activities on the subject of "Illicit Drugs and Driving". The goal of the working group was to identify what is known about the scope of the problem, to provide a discussion of the current status of political, legislative, and law enforcement efforts, and to make recommendations for new strategic initiatives and future research.
A survey was developed to assess the current status of global legislation regarding driving under the influence of illegal drugs. An attempt was made to assess whether testing for alcohol and illegal drugs was permitted under current laws, the circumstances under which such testing was authorized, and the logistics of the testing process. The survey was sent out to all ICADTS members/affiliates and responses were received from 62 individuals representing 16 nations and 12 U.S. states [approximately 42% response rate].
Results of the survey indicate that most countries currently have existing laws that cover driving under the influence of illegal drugs in some fashion. Ninety-three percent of respondents indicate that the laws in their countries/states permit testing for illegal drugs. However, only 28% of survey respondents indicated that the current laws in their country would permit roadside drug tests. Survey results clearly indicated a concern about the growing problem of driving under the influence of drugs, and that marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines (including amphetamine analogs - e.g. MDMA), opiates, and the illegal use/high dose use of benzodiazepines constitute the principal illegal drug use of concern. (Extract)